No ignition power?

Tiny
GREGOR48
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
I was replacing the window regulators and motors and was working the windows up and down. I thought I should go ahead and crank the truck to keep the battery from draining. The battery is only a month old. When I tried to start it, the truck started to crank but didn't start so I turned the ignition off, pumped the gas pedal one time to squirt some gas from the accelerator pump into the carburetor. When I tried to crank it again, the battery acted like it was getting weak and then started to click. I went under the hood to reposition the battery cables and tried again this time no click or anything. I thought the battery was drained. I removed the battery and charged it all night. The next day I put the battery back in and tried to crank it again. Did not do anything. Started doing research and came across a video that stated it could possibly be the ignition switch. Okay, I went out and bought a new ignition switch and installed it. Mine in on top of the steering column which was hell to get to and work on. I had to drop the steering column to be able to get to it. Long story short, I got it replaced and still nothing. My headlights work, brake lights work, blinkers work, I even went down to the neutral safety switch which mine only has 2 wires going to it for the reverse lights to activate. That is all it does because the 85 model has a mechanical mechanism in the column that will not allow the truck to start in any position other than park or neutral. I have 12 volts to the starter's big terminal. I have checked all fusible links before and after with all having 12volts. I also went ahead and replaced all the fuses just in case. I am clueless. Somewhere between whatever wire sends 12 volts to the solenoid on the starter is not allowing 12 volts to get there. So many wires I don't even know where to start. I guess I need to check to see if I have the voltage I need to the ignition switch? In the diagrams I have been looking at what appears to be several wires that have 12 volts to them. I guess I would like to know which wire provides the starter solenoid with 12 volts to get it to start so I can start tracing back from there. Also, the pink wire going to the computer behind the glove box does not have 12 volts there. Not sure if that matters. Were just some more videos I was watching trying to figure this out. Thanks for any help I can get on this.
Saturday, September 10th, 2022 AT 6:46 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,421 POSTS
Hi,

At the starter motor, you indicated there is power to the heavy gauge black wire. That is direct from the battery. There is a smaller wire that is purple. The purple wire should only have 12v when the key is in the start position. If you get a helper, have them turn the key to start while you check for power at the purple wire.

If there is power, suspect the starter has failed. If there is no power, go back to the neutral safety switch and use the same procedure with a helper, see if there is power to the yellow wire.

Let me know what you find. Also, I attached the starter circuit wiring schematic, so you have a reference.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, September 10th, 2022 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
GREGOR48
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the response. Both of my wires are red on the starter. The big red one goes to the positive post on battery and the small red one is on the solenoid spot for the starter. I have not tried having someone turn the key while I check for 12 volts. My safety neutral switch only has a blue and green wire. Used for reverse lights. I already pulled the switch and the only contact points in the switch are in the reverse position which I have checked with a meter. It is pouring rain right now and we are getting ready to head out to church. When we get home and it's not raining, I will check for 12 volts at the starter solenoid with someone turning the key. I will let you know. Thanks again.
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Sunday, September 11th, 2022 AT 6:20 AM
Tiny
GREGOR48
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the ideas. I got it cranked. I tapped the side of the solenoid on the starter with a hammer and it fired right up. Your idea about checking the voltage at the starter with the key turned led me to think maybe the solenoid is stuck. So, thank you for your time. I am thinking maybe it's time for a new starter?
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Sunday, September 11th, 2022 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,421 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome and yes, it's time for a new starter motor. It will work a few times tapping it, but eventually, even that won't work.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Take care and let me know if you have other questions or if I can help in any way.

Joe
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Sunday, September 11th, 2022 AT 5:33 PM

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